Rare & Exotic Orchids Dazzle at New York Botanical Garden's Annual Orchid Show - Homage to Thailand's Plant Culture

Gateway to a world of Orchids at The New York Botanical Garden - an homage to Thailand (see elephant topiaries)

At last - the moment every flower enthusiast waits all year for: The Orchid Show. The dazzling display of orchids at the 15th annual Orchid Show at The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) does not disappoint; especially those who are crazy, passionate about these glamour pusses of the plant world.

This is where science and beauty meet head on in a full frontal assault. Wow.

Vanda Orchids!

This year’s Orchid Show (exhibit runs from February 18 through April 9th) pays homage to Thailand because of “the wealth of orchids, acclaimed tropical gardens, renowned breeding, and rich cultural history of this Southeast Asian nation… (and) home to to more than 1,200 native orchid species,” according to NYBG. Further you should know that “Thailand is a leading producer of cultivated orchids - in fact, it is the biggest exporter of tropical orchids in the world.”

Did you know that orchids are found on every continent save one? Orchids make up approximately 10 percent of all the plant species on earth; 25,000 species are known to scientists and more than 10 times that number of hybrid varieties.

No wonder we find orchids endlessly fascinating -- there’s just no end to their drama, shape, size, fragrance, and color.

And color is the frisson of this show.




I learned color is so important to the Thai culture - they LOVE color and utilize it extensively in their garden design, decorative arts -- in patterns and texture - with a kind of kaleidoscope display of diversity.

The show features a mix of native Thai orchids and hybrids: sourced from the Garden’s growers located in Florida and Hawaii, for example, in addition to what is grown at the Garden.

Marc Hachadourian, NYBG

And the respected authority for all things orchids at NYBG (and a kind of “Plant Whisperer” as he nurtures orchids seized illegally in the wild) is Marc Hachadourian, Manager of the Nolan Greenhouses for Living Collections .

I asked Marc about this year’s show upon arriving at the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory's Palm of the World Gallery where elephant topiaries (elephants are the official national symbol of Thailand) and lush and luxuriant orchids captivate.

Marc explained that the Garden hadn’t produced a “geographic-themed” show in awhile -- then they got brainstorming and with Thailand acknowledged as the “epicenter” of tropical plants and horticulture, along with orchids - especially Dendrobiums and Vandas a key part of the Thai’s iconic culture along with Thailand’s connection to nature - made the decision a, ahem, natural one. “There is extreme diversity in the country’s orchids,” Marc said, underscoring how important plants are to a culture. Marc amplified the power of plants as contributors to a culture, saying “It’s no secret humans have had a long term love affair with orchids -- they are a supreme, global garden ‘flower.’”

I asked Marc what his favorite orchid is - to which he initially responded with a kind of punt, saying “whichever is in bloom at the moment.” Spoken like a true plant diplomat… 

He then embraced the Dendrobiums, (“cane-like stems” and some sport those impossible, purple-patterned blooms) saying he is a big fan of the miniatures. Agreed. Good things come in small packages.

There is a suite of miniatures at the Orchid Show - and in the Garden’s permanent collection.

Christian Primeau, NYBG explains the curated Orchid Show to journalists at Press Preview

Christian Primeau, NYBG’s Manager of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory responsible for the tropical and subtropical plant collections, spoke about the design of this year’s show, detailing the cultural reference displays.

Thai Garden Culture 

Entering the main part of the Orchid Show always leaves me a little breathless. There is so much of a spectacular sensation. It’s warm. It’s colorful. It’s fragrant -- and all that oxygen. Ahhhh. (Restores the giddy, breathless lightheadiness!)  

First up in this other-worldly, exotic delight are the hanging gold and white fabric decorative Sky Lanterns positioned in the tree branches overhead -- in the “Thai tradition of sky lanterns (khom loi) “lit on celebratory occasions to symbolically carry away bad fortune and bring good luck,” notes NYBG.

Sky Lantern “kissing” appropriately-named, ‘Dancing Ladies’ Oncidium and its yellow-gold color complement. 

The exhibit signage noted the full story of the symbolic lanterns.

Two of Thailand’s traditional Spirit Houses are replicated here, as well. They are sweet “shrines.”

The show’s educational signage explains how many Thai houses, businesses, and more have at least “one spirit house - (phra phum) and in cities such as Bangkok - they are probably on rooftops. Like our gardens in urban areas.

I think we all need these spirit houses. Christian joked the spirits can’t fly; and pointed out the ladder… The Spirit Houses are decorated with protective dragon spirits.

In a mirror exhibit, the Garden also showcases the Daily Offering Spirit House - demonstrating how the Thai people’s offerings of flowers, fruit, incense -- and strawberry soda (really?!) keep the spirits in a good mood and ensure good fortune.

The fragrant orchids are represented by the Cattleya oncidium - or “corsage orchid” - that in earlier times brought on good moods for all the lucky ladies who’s prom dates showed up with an orchid - - and Oncidium Irish Mist ‘Big Hot Sun.’

I was intrigued with the small Mai Dat - a tribute to the tradition of clipping trees and shrubs into a variety of shapes - a kind of topiary that dates from the 13th century and not unlike a kind of bonsai except that mai dat is meant to be “abstract and fanciful.”

One is hopelessly and lovingly drawn to the center of the Conservatory where the crowning pinnacle of any NYBG show reigns. Here for the Orchid Show, there is a replica of a Sala or place of relaxation from the sun -- and life. It is an homage to famed contemporary landscape design architect: Mom Tri, a descendent of King Rama IV - evoking a traditional Buddhist Thai garden. 

The Sala featured a temple-like hardscape structure studded with boatloads of phalaenopsis orchids -- on a topiary elephant “saddle” and on moss balls, along with those glorious Vandas - with their epiphyte kind of necklaces hanging below. Those epiphyte roots help absorb moisture and catch falling detritus, explained Christian.  

The Sala should be viewed also for the plant compositions created by NYBG curators. Please notice the elegant slipper orchids: paphiopedilum, ‘Silver Dollar’ Maidenhair ferns, and gorgeous rocks, placed ever so stylishly.

Philodendrons and ferns and bromeliads et al are the backdrops and foils for the show dazzlers but should not be overlooked.

My hands-down favorite display is the diminutive pool of black water -- accessorized with orchid petals of varying shades of fuschia, red and white. Surrounding the mysterious and captivating pool are more slipper orchids and white Dendrobium ‘Mini Snowflake’ orchids, and delicate Maidenhair ferns.

I dare you to stop looking! 

But I also especially loved a color composition up front in the display. The curators worked the yellow, burgundy and greens to subtle triumph. Look for the Oncostele ‘Wildcat’ - glowing with afternoon sun - low ground cover - Spathoglottis yellow orchids, hibiscus, fuschia-colored leaves… Take it all in.

There is also another grouping of lanterns by the sala -- the bamboo lanterns in a group of nine: a lucky number in Thailand. 

The Thai word for nine is gao, “similar to ‘progress’ and for ‘rice’ a staple food.” Even the pot containers are clustered in lucky number compositions. 

I confess I’m superstitious; to learn how Thais have lucky and unlucky numbers and traditions, resonated with me!  

I plan to return during one of the Orchid Evenings -- for nothing else but to experience the magical glow of these lanterns surrounded by orchids. Yet there is also dance and music -- and cocktails!  A trifecta of plant-entertainment, especially during the winter.  What's better than being in a seductive greenhouse with all those hot-hot beauties when it's cold outside.  Romance is surely "in the air."

I’ve often referred to orchids as “jewelry” and you’ll understand why when you view the Orchid Show -- the displays are priceless and elegant and glamorous. It seems appropriate then that a key sponsor of the Orchid Show is Baccarat (Thank you, Baccarat.)

There is a plethora of spot-on programs developed for the Orchid Show. Especially The Orchid Evenings -- sigh -- I can’t wait to experience those Thai Lanterns glowing at night in the Conservatory…

Orchid Evenings

Saturdays: March 4, 11, 18, and 25; April 1 and 8

Fridays: March 31 (LGBT Night) and April 7

6:30–9:30 p.m. (entry times at 6:30, 7, and 7:30 p.m.)

Stroll through The Orchid Show: Thailand in the lush Conservatory, while music, dance, and unmatched beauty create one of New York City’s most unique and spectacular evening outings. On April 1 and 8, visitors can also upgrade their experience with the Young Garden Circle Lounge for skip-the-line access; free parking; a private open bar featuring beer, wine, and specialty cocktails; complimentary light bites; and a live DJ making for an unforgettable night. Advance tickets recommended. Cash bar available.


Film Screenings

Vanilla: The Sacred Orchid

Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19; 1, 1:30, and 2 p.m.

In Ross Hall

Learn the intriguing life process—from flower to pantry—of a favorite flavor. This scenic film examines the full-year cycle of this spice from Veracruz, Mexico. The vanilla orchid is still cultivated by the same indigenous people who have been growing it for centuries. The film is directed by Curtis Craven and runs 26 minutes.

Adaptation

Saturday, February 25 and Sunday, February 26; 2 p.m.

In Ross Hall

In this popular 2002 feature film inspired by Susan Orlean’s book The Orchid Thief, Nicolas Cage plays Charlie Kaufman, a lovelorn L.A. screenwriter overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy, self- loathing, and the screenwriting ambitions of his freeloading twin brother, Donald (also Cage). While struggling to adapt The Orchid Thief by Orlean (Meryl Streep), Kaufman’s life spins from pathetic to bizarre. The lives of Kaufman, Orlean, and John Laroche (Chris Cooper), the orchid poacher and subject of the book, become strangely intertwined as each one’s obsession collides with those of the others. (114 minutes, Rated R)


Dance Performances

Magical Thailand—A Journey with the Somapa Thai Dance Company

Saturdays and Sundays, March 4–April 9

Performances at 1 and 3 p.m.

In Ross Hall, or seasonally in Conservatory Plaza

The Somapa Thai Dance Company takes you on a journey to experience beautiful and magical Thailand. The Washington, D.C.-based dance company introduces audiences to Thai performing arts and culture with graceful classical and folk dances from various parts of Thailand.

The Orchid Show Tours

Tuesdays–Fridays; 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.

Meet at the Conservatory Entrance

Tour The Orchid Show with an expert guide. Get a brief introduction to the biology of orchids to learn what makes them so different from other flowers, and learn about some of the current research projects that our scientists are working on.

Roaming Guides

Saturdays and Sundays; 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

In the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory

Garden guides highlight parts of the permanent collection and special exhibition to add insight to your experience of The Orchid Show. They will provide an in-depth look at rare and extraordinary orchid specimens on display.

Orchid Care Demonstrations

Saturdays and Sundays; 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

In the Conservatory GreenSchool

Join NYBG experts as they discuss the basics of orchid care and how to choose and successfully grow these exotic plants.

Orchid Expert Q&A
Saturdays and Sundays; 1:30–4:30 p.m.

In NYBG Shop

Drop in and ask about orchid care tips. Get help selecting the proper orchid for your home.


Also During The Orchid Show

Thousands of top-quality orchids, from exotic, hard-to-find specimens for connoisseurs to elegant yet easy-to-grow varieties for beginners, are available for purchase at NYBG Shop, along with orchid products and books. During The Orchid Show, visitors can enjoy a selection of dining options at the Hudson Garden Grill, NYBG’s full-service restaurant, which will have Thai-inspired offerings, and at the Pine Tree Cafe. 

It's cold outside -- get to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory for the 15th Annual NYBG Orchid Show 

Plants of the Future and Edible Foodscapes Premiere at Plant-O-Rama 2017

As Bob Hyland, founding father of the horticultural celebration he christened "Plant-O-Rama" was thanking the packed auditorium at the morning session for coming to the 21st annual horticultural trade show, jobs fair, and symposium he conceived 30 years ago - it was worth noting that as he introduced the keynote speaker, Kelly D. Norris - that the young “hort-hero” is not yet 30 years old!

At the same time, Kelly is at the top of the Hort game - a leader extraordinaire in what has become known as the “Emergents” - meaning those young, up-and-coming leaders in horticulture.
I daresay it’s not far off the mark to affirm the Emergents and Kelly, especially, have totally “arrived.”
Kelly is a powerhouse plantsman with experienced knowledge -- so much so that I got to wondering later -- perhaps he is the long-lost prodigy or better yet - a reincarnation of Carl Linnaeus. While no doubt Kelly would have “grown” and “blossomed” on his own merits - (sorry - too rich to not use the hort references...), Kelly and his Emergent cohorts were introduced in a Rodale Press feature reported as the “next generation” of horticulturists by our favorite garden and hort author, Ken Druse.
(I have every one of Ken’s books - most autographed - and they are always relevant and delightful.) Thanks, Ken!
(And I’ve been buying the Ellen Hoverkamp scanner photography art showcased in his recent, gorgeous book, Natural Companions: The Garden Lover's Guide to Plant Combinations 

I was privileged to first hear Kelly speak at The New York Botanical Garden's 4th annual Hortie Hoopla - a robust career Green Day for NYC-area interns, conceived by NYBG’s Charles Yurgalevitch, Director, and I reported on the event at Garden Glamour.

Left to Right: Me, Kelly Norris, Ken Druse

More than just plant knowledgeable - Kelly hits the hort “hat trick” of taxonomy/botany/design); moreover he possesses an old-soul dynamic and confidence not to mention, authenticity, that both astonishes and delights garden enthusiast audiences.

Kelly manages to blend solid science with dreamy experience. In fact, that is the essence of his charm. He’s never that “gotcha” horticulturist that is more keen to snap you into ID’ing a plant with its botanical latin name (which he of course does with professional modesty and frequency); rather he is one to provide that essential information in a practical and respectful way while he shares his cosmic love and adoration of all that the plant kingdom has to offer and teach us. 
Plus there is that infectious enthusiasm. This man can’t help teach us about “gardening with a purpose.”

For me as a writer and author, I’m also gobsmacked by Kelly’s language and vocabulary skills. He positively radiates - shimmers - and glows - with redolent phrases, adjectives, and verbs -- to better captivate and intrigue his audiences. This is a rare talent and his linguistic skills and oratory mastery captures, teaches, and excites us - all at the same time -- while never stooping to snarky (well, maybe a bit) or ever stooping to a holier-than-thou hort elitist platform that can be off-putting to many plant and garden design enthusiasts.

Planting for the Future
What Did Kelly charm us with under the rubric of “Planting for the Future”?

He talked about gardening as an “experience.”

There are things that increase the experience - and that is “essence of a garden’s style. “Plants should not just survive but they should thrive,” he admonished.

Gardens need to have a purpose. It was enlightening and refreshing to hear that we need to garden with a purpose. We need to savor our plants and the environment.

Kelly made a point that I personally think needs no amplification - which is that today’s gardeners need to have the passion that today’s chef’s possess. He cited how chefs are focused on ingredients - and that gardeners and landscape designers need to have that same cobra-like focus on using the best plant ingredients in the garden as chefs do in the kitchen and restaurant. I write about food and drink - coming at it from the garden perspective - and I can tell you that my work researching and reporting on farm-to-table and garden-to-glass - has its own struggles and triumphs - all of it based on the ability to source and spec ingredients - by and large those that are plant-based and come from reliable growers.

While it makes sense that food growers and farmers may have led the way because we eat these ingredients - there's that intimate relationship with a chef's culinary creations - there is also a growing awareness about the need to not only bring local and seasonal cut flowers into the home, but there has been a long-standing movement to use native plants in garden design.

From my perspective, the problem isn’t the gardeners, but rather the plant nurseries that don’t stock the natives - they cater to the fashions and vagaries of what - the market? I am confounded as to how nurseries select, grow, and provide nursery stock. While many will readily admit they prefer not to sell exotics, or “invasives” - i.e. non-natives - they feel they must, because it sells.

I personally feel that it’s a closed loop - meaning that too many “landscapers” are merely “mow, blow, and go” guys -- and yes most are men -- and that they don’t know anything about the plants so they’ll take whatever is available at the nurseries - thereby inadvertently adding to the "it sells" strategy. Furthermore, the horticultural industry was too influenced by exotic plants that folks of means could afford to plant at their country houses and estates - so all fell in line to stock them…

Here in America, we gave short shrift to our native prairie grasses until a Dutchman, Piet Oudolf deemed them new and exotic for our gardens and parks, and suddenly they become the ornamental darlings they are today.

I go on..

But I do understand Kelly’s insistence that we need to have that passion for ingredients - in designing and creating our gardens - we need to pay attention to the plants that create the living palette or “dish.” It’s just that it does no good for garden designers like me to research and spec out the right plant for the right place only to have the nursery force the garden designer or true landscaper into a substitute. Or increasingly, breeders are increasingly creating or propagating plants that are patented - and possess branded products that aren't so readily available. We need to remedy this issue in order to truly make a difference and move the garden experience to where it’s beneficial for the sustainable ecosystems. Don’t you agree?

A really exciting element that Kelly presented and got the plant juices flowing - is to discover native and local plants “in the wild” that can thrive in our gardens. We can see how these plants have survived through climate chaos to grow in any number of “crazy situations” - and that because they can readily adapt, will work better in urban environments.

See, the thing is that even though we have a yearning for all things rural, more of us are living in urban worlds - and that’s only going to increase in the future. The plants that have proven themselves to be resilient and ecologically superior - are our friends. Let’s embrace them.

Plants are opportunists -- and context can be informational with a nod to ecology.

Kelly says he never uses wood-based mulch at the Des Moines Botanical Garden where he serves as the Garden’s first-ever director of horticulture. Instead he uses plants. Sedges are green mulch! Natural plant mulch will repair soil, capture nutrients, build biomass, according to Kelly.

He says there is a natural history to the plant combinations and ingredients he employs there so there is also that “sense of place” or Genius loci. 
Lesson learned is we shouldn’t forget that bottom layer of garden design. Plants can be that foil or cover for other plants as they go in and out of their “profile” or “portrait” moments… 
Think 3-D and the art of planting.

Further, Kelly suggested we garden designers - and by extension - you - consider scale. Most US home have a small footprint for the yard, all things considered, that is approximately 8,900 square feet - including the house. He pointed out that here is that enduring, sterile nature of suburbia with its endless lawn and foundation plantings… I think this started in the 1950’s and we’ve done so little or nothing to change our perception of American success from that vision of home ownership/lawn/flag of the housing developments that were created for returning GI’s and their families.  Isn’t it time we take gardening back to some of the natural plant companions that were plowed under to make way for these housing developments on a mass scale?! We can rediscover the beauty and charm of our native and natural plants, for sure.

Despite a garden's small size, Kelly cites the paramount need to provide more plant diversity -- noting that in some of his recent designs he’s included more 24 different species in a garden no more than 150 square feet. We need diversity in our plant portfolio just as we need it in our financial portfolio!

Native Plant Examples:

Examples Kelly provided included Eupatorium perfoliatum ‘Milk ‘n Cookies’ - an oh-so beautiful Boneset (burgundy foliage and white flowers) that “just need some friends to “lean on,” he joked. Don’t we all?

And like fashion on the runway - let’s think about New -- not those same ol’ petunias that one finds at the big box stores. Kelly showed a number of glamourous, strong dames including Silphium perfoliatum (Cup Plant)- Rosinweed that is a native, sunflower-like perennial is “resilient architecture,” stunning and has a lot of “sex appeal,” according to the Kelly. These plants moreover, hold the soil. Here the plantsman cited the tragedy of the Dust Bowl and how irresponsible plantings and arrogant development wiped away the top layers of soil. On the other hand, native Silphium has 10-15 inches of roots - a resource that does double duty. Plus the Land Institute and others are using Silphium to store carbon as well as to extract its oil for cooking and fuel. (Some claim it can be used with rice and 

molasses to avoid pregnancy!)

The aster family is truly breathtaking. I love its members and cultivars; using a variety of these colorful and strong plants in many of my garden designs.

Other water-wise plants Kelly suggested include, Eryngium leavenworthii - from the carrot family - this thistle or Sea Holly is strong and adds a showy and textured element to the garden palette.

Another example Kelly showed was the agave - in particular the Mangave ‘Lavender Lady.’ What a dame! This plant offers a big, smoky rosette - and rapid growth.  Geum triflorium, ‘Prairie Smoke’ was another beauty.

For dry shade there is the worst plant name ever: Diarrhena ovata (oops!) This is an American beakgrain ornamental grass that loves deep shade green and is evergreen, along with the much cuter-named Pussy Toes whose silvery foliage and late spring flowers add style to a dry shade garden as well as to green roofs.

What these hard-working natives have in common is their strength, ability to withstand climate chaos, and smart use of precious water -- they thrive when exotics have your water bill clocking ever upwards. So use them. These prairie plants can teach an urban (or suburban) city slicker a few tricks!

Kelly got us excited about being in a time where we are on the verge of “discovering” an entire new palette of plants.

It got me to thinking that while in past generations the adventuring plant hunter was revered because he found ever-more exotic plant species to bring back to our environment - the new plant hunter will instead research and find those hearty and beautiful plants right in our own landscapes - those that have learned to thrive and provide.  Just like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz said - “Next time I go looking for my heart’s desire - I won’t go looking further than my own backyard.” I’ve referenced those pearls of wisdom all my life but now it seems especially apropos. And it helps this reference that Dorothy was from the Great Plains - just like so many of these plant prodigies.

Kelly continued to provide plantings with a purpose and suggested that we design using plant “communities” using keystone species to achieve a kind of ecological minimalism.

And remember that “Plants provide Beauty and Purpose.”

Landscape design is one of the true luxuries that appreciates with time. Unlike other art though - it is dynamic -- it changes every day, bringing added, newfound joy.

Edible Urban Oases 
The irrepressible Brie Arthur - another "Emergent" - spoke about edibles and the Foodscape Revolution which also happens to be the name of her first book - out later this year and now in presale.

She describes herself a true “plant nerd” but also claims to love insects in an “irrational way!” You can’t help but want to hug this woman. She advocates for living green walls -- suggested that if the Mexican “wall” was built using green, fresh vegetables, and herb edibles - she’d be all for it!

She points out how we need green infrastructure and with it we can surely feed the world. And our soils and souls. She suggests using common spaces of communities and streetscapes for planting edible ornamentals.

I’ve used edibles as ornamentals for more than decade for garden clients and they love the color and texture -- and the taste! It’s a delight to group edibles by color and season.

Brie detailed how to grow organics, and use hydroponics as well as aeroponics -- employing a soil-less growing medium - a space saving strategy that works especially for tight urban spaces.

A great suggestion Brie offered is to use edibles at the front of an ornamental garden -- within easy reach and much better for the garden bed than that wood mulch; thus adding more biological diversity, as well.

Brie stressed the need for diversity in our edible gardens. Don’t think just tomatoes! She emphasized the beauty and ease and taste of growing one’s own grains and cruciferous plants. Lovely to see wheat and rice as part of an edible plant palette. My dear horticulture associate, EunYoung Sebazco was the first to grow rice in New York City - and has since devoted resources and experience to educating and exciting the rest of us about not only how to grow rice, but how this plant has influenced the world via its cuisine, nutrition, art -- think fashion, textiles, pottery, crafts, and fine art! See here at LiveRice.com - you will discover a new-found reverence for this ancient and hard-working grain.

Brie refers to rice and blueberries as the “gateway” plants to edible foodscaping! She showed chefs at upscale country clubs growing ornamental - and edible - rice (purple and red) with astonishing and tasty results!

Trade Show          

Later, we walked the trade show element of Plant-O-Rama. Some of my favorites there included:

Pennoyer Newman -- Virginia and her custom, classic garden containers and fountains that are always the talk of the show. Love the collections -- and Virginia!  

Virginia Newman

Rare Find Nursery - This Garden State plant nursery offers unusual (compared to the aforementioned, nameless nurseries) and intriguing natives that add glamour to every garden I’ve sourced from Rare Find. The container ‘Rochester’ witch hazel they showcased at their table was intoxicating -- strongest of the fragrant witch hazels -- I’d never smelled one so divine. I once gave my girlfriend Jelena a ‘Jelena’ witch hazel for her birthday!

Curb Allure - These metal tree guards are handsome and offer great utility. I first saw these creations a few years back and admire their look and their smart attention that work for the plants in the beds (including a “Pup-Pee Protector.) Too often the beds are lined with hardscaping that doesn’t allow for the water to reach the plants. This solves the issue.

Thank you, Plant-O-Rama.

Garden Encore: The Second Annual NYC Green Industry Field Day at NYBG

The second annual NYC-area Green Industry Intern Field Day, affectionately referred to as “Hortie Hoopla!” resonated with quiet expectation the morning of July 23 as the horticultural interns arrived at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) to sign in for the day’s jam-packed event -- billed from 10 am till dusk.

(I just love that word – so filled with the joy of being outdoors. It’s an unabashed nod toward nature’s rhythms vs. a more “Metro North tempo” clocking in the day’s end at a rather precise sounding 8:37 pm. Don’t you agree?)

Chock-a-block with powerful botanical elements, the Green Industry Field Day agenda was thoughtfully prepared by Charles M. Yurgalevitch, Ph.D., Director, School of Professional Horticulture, (SOPH) NYBG and his enthusiastic team.

(The government needs that Eric!)  

NYBG's Eric Lieberman does the heavy lifting #HortieHoopla

Hortie Hoopla is Yurgalevitch’s brainchild.   Years hence, you can bet that the great nursery-people, plant explorers, designers, writers, public and private garden executives, and leading plant breeders will be referencing the impact this program had on their careers and their commitment to pursue a green industry path to success.

The NYC Green Field Day program offered a mix of inspired career stories, gardeners’ experiences and insightful guidance, together with lunch, a career information session, hands-on, exciting and educational hort tours accompanied by a stimulating Plant ID contest, followed by the BBQ, beer, fun games, and networking in the Family Garden.  

What was forecast as the first -- and the only really hot, humid day of what has been an otherwise delightful summer weather-wise -– the morning air was already thick by the time I arrived at the Garden at 8:45.  The GreenMarket was already up and buzzing; had to grab a Red Jacket Tart Cherry drink (hard to get sometimes at my Union Square GreenMarket).

Inside the cool lobby of the Ross Lecture Hall tables were already lined up waiting for the event’s food and drink Sponsor representatives and business supporters for the career sessions with Town & Gardens, Organic Gardening Magazine, NYC Parks & Recreation, Central Park Conservancy, Shemin Landscape Supply, GrowIt!

In addition to Town & Gardens, other food and drink sponsors included, Landcraft Environments, and Verdant Gardens Design, along with the NYBG bookshop. 

There, NYBG’s John Suskovich was setting up the Shop’s books to sell – many were the books authored by the Hortie Hoopla’s illustrious speakers. 

(John shared with me that he only had one left of my book but would be ordering more of The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook.  Music to my ears.)

Why, speaker Ken Druse alone has produced more than 20 books!  Druse is an award winning, acclaimed garden writer, speaker, photographer, and host of the weekly program, "Real Dirt" 
 

I adore all things Ken Druse- have most all of his books in our home library and often proudly gift his books.

I often joke I’m a card-carrying member of the Druse fan club.   

One of my most favorite books from the Druse collection is is Natural Companions: The Garden Lover's Guide to Plant Combinations
It’s a gorgeous book – unique in its presentation, and full of helpful plant pairings.  Be sure to check out all of Druse’s books and order for your home library – or to gift.  The make a great hostess gift, too.

Plus, Druse’s seminal feature article, The New Generation Meet six young horticultists who are helping to shape how America gardens for Organic Gardening magazine about the future of horticultural career professionals ignited the very concept for the creation of the Hortie Hoopla, helping to inspire Yurgalevitch's vision for Green Industry Field Day.  A match made in garden / heaven.

This year’s Organic Gardening magazine follow up feature, Next Generation 2.0 The American Garden Scene is Blooming describes four different “young professionals" and the overwhelming success of the series. 

The feature’s head note overview describes how: “The Week the magazine came out (last year), some of the profiled people launched a Facebook group called Emergent: A Group for Growing Professionals.  The group quickly reached more than a 1,000 members…”

Druse and the horticulture mentors had clearly tapped a nerve; they were onto something.

This was a hort revolution of a different source. 

Not your Sissinghurst kind of gardener. This was power gardening for a world of environmental change and climate chaos and urban farming and – wowsy excitement.

Later I asked Druse how he came to identify the candidates for the articles. After all, there truly is an ocean of unrecognized hort talent that abounds in our country.  How does he locate the best ones to feature?

Not a surprise to learn it takes extensive research to come up with his top-tier selections.  Druse said he looks for hort professionals under 30 years of age (seems daunting already) who impress him as “lively” and that he thinks will have an impact on the profession in the years to come.” 

Following the search, he winnows the list with interviews, then comes the writing and editing. 

Druse also noted it’s especially challenging to find female candidates and ones from diverse parts of the country. 

A big salute to Druse for his steadfast commitment to seeking out these hard-to-locate hort pros. 

And here’s hoping the horticulture profession’s top dogs double down its outreach to attract not only women and those from all pockets of the country but to diverse and minority populations, too. 

Knowing Druse’s pioneering commitment and the “planting” of his flag in the “land of future hort,” I couldn’t wait to hear Druse’s talk.

His presentations always prove to be full of imagery, thought-provoking ideas and not inconsequentially - talked about for long after.  

I anticipated his Hortie talk with keen zeal.

On my way in to the Ross Lecture Hall, I saw Druse and another man on the empty stage – scoping out the space. As I was picking up a book to look through at the NYBG table, I learned from Suskevich that the book;  Plant Breeding for the Home Gardener was written by the keynoter Joseph Tychonievich.

Just then Druse and Tychonievich walked into the lobby together, following their stage walk- through.

Tychonievich was a featured New Generation in Druse’s Organic Gardening article, showcased as “The Hybridizer.”

Read the article and I double dare you not to want to gift an heirloom plant for that someone special in your life.  Isn’t an heirloom rose, tomato, or lily or whatever you select to give more enduring and unique than any gift you can think of?

I will be writing more about this heirloom breeding idea!

After the appropriate horticulture hugs and handshakes, I was able to garner Tychonievich’s autograph and ask him about his entrée into the world of plants before becoming an author and speaker. 

Hortie Hoopla Keynoter & Author, Joseph Tychonievich

He told me his enchanting story. 

He is almost the Joseph & Joseph (as in Julia & Julia) of the publishing world. If we swap out plants for cooking and insert a Tom name…

See, Joseph has the hort pedigree: he is a nursery manager at Arrowhead Alpines in his native Michigan, studied plant breeding and genetics at Michigan State and Ohio State universities. And he writes the “Greensparrow Gardens” blog.

 

So when he wrote a blog posting and got an email from Tom Fischer at Timber Press asking if he’d like to write a book, he did what anyone would do: he ran around the house waving his arms and screaming over and over, “I just got a book deal! I’m gonna be an author!!” 

See the Julia connection now?

Is a film not far behind??

This fairy dust call from a major publisher just doesn’t happen. It’s a myth, a unicorn kind of narrative told to up and comers…

But it did happen to Joseph.

His book, Plant Breeding for the Home Gardener was published by Timber Press in 2013 and he’s working on his second book about Rock Gardens.

I promptly suggested he needed to visit the NYBG Rock Garden – it’s truly one of my most favorites at the Garden.  Surely sprites, or a unicorn might be spotted there…

Before heading off to forage for some good coffee for Druse and me, I saw the Director of the SOPH, Yurgalevitch, carefully managing the morning’s preparations. 

 

L to R: Tychonievich, Sabine Stenzenbach, Charles Yurgalevitch, Ken Druse

According to Director Yurgalevitch, Hortie Hoopla II was a day to inspire, to introduce to educate, and to unwind. 

He also said “This year’s attendance exceeded our expectations.” The event was oversubscribed.  “For reasons of food, drink and the tours, we were was supposed to max out at 130 total attendees.” 

However, Yurgalevitch said later, he could not turn away the Hort Interns – and so the day attracted a total of 160 of which 120 were interns! 

The day was a Grand Slam home run success by anyone’s count. 

The Stories:

After a warm welcome and overview provided by Yurgalevitch,   Each told a brief, inspiring and commencement-like talk about their journey from hot intern to successful horticulturist.

NYBG's Yurgalevitch Welcome & Overview

he then introduced a succession of five successful, career horticulturists -- chosen expressly because they launched their professional career paths as hort interns.

Ladies first:

Lynden B. Miller, public garden designer in New York City, director of The Conservatory Garden in Central Park, and author of the best selling, Parks, Plants, and People: Beautifying the Urban Landscape

was the first speaker.

Full confession: Lynden is one of my hort idols and I’ve long admired her artful approach to garden design, along with her pragmatic recognition for public garden maintenance even in times of budget constraints.

Good public gardens are nothing less than an investment in living art and better communities.

Miller cited Beatrix Farrand, a pioneer in landscape design and presently, one of the featured women of the Garden’s seasonal exhibit: “Groundbreakers: Great American Gardens & The Women Who Designed Them.”   

Don’t miss the artful nod to Farrand’s work in the Enid A Haupt Conservatory. 

Speaking with a dedicated passion, Miller described being “moved” by public spaces – by the power of well-planted places.  She talked about how these places “bring people and nature together.” 

Miller further explained how a city’s public spaces provide both spiritual and economic benefits, citing the High Line and Bryant Park as just two popular examples.

She encouraged the interns to search for areas that are the “soul of the City” – and to develop them.

“Go for it,” Miller cheered the interns. 

Next speaker up was Annie Novak, co-founder of Eagle Street Rooftop Farm and Manager of NYBG's Edible Academy. Not unlike Facebook’s super successful COO and best-selling author, Sheryl Sandberg; Annie encouraged the interns to “Lean-In” to their mentor.

Novak spoke to the point that “How we share gardens with other people is our way of living.  It’s our Nest Egg.” 

She explained horticulture can be solitary – even if you are working in a public space. “So enjoy your times with the public. Enjoy your visitors,” Novak directed the interns.

It was time for the Gentlemen:

Uli Lorimer, is a former intern and gardener at Wave Hill, now Curator of the Native Flora Garden at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and one of the curators and gardeners I am honored to have worked with.  His knowledge is vast, his ability to communicate his love of plants and the environment, along with his boundless curiosity, appeals to visitors, Martha Stewart, or a Board member, and it makes him ever so valuable to our world of horticulture.  And to the Hortie Hoopla’s message of communicating the values of Hort.

Lorimer told the intern audience about growing up in Germany and with his grandmother’s urging, began what would become a lifelong garden habit: keeping a notebook.  Throughout his life – from college to the National Arboretum to Wave Hill, he’s kept a garden notebook, chronicling plants he likes and doesn’t like. Same goes for garden experiences. .  He encouraged the interns to do likewise.  He added that a career in horticulture and botany is never boring. “The natural world is just so exciting!”

Nick Storrs, former intern at the Last Resort Farm, now the Urban Farm Manager at Randall's Island Park Alliance is also a very poised speaker.  I’ve had the pleasure of learning from Nick: on-site at Randall’s Island Urban Farm, at the Food Tech Conference where he led a panel that featured their efforts to grow rice – the first-ever – in New York City. 

Storrs’ talk employed a very effective way of rendering practical advice: by saying not only what he did do but those things “he wished he’d done.”

This way, he could share not only those things that worked for him on the road to success; he was able to provide wisdom gleaned from his experiences – those things he hadn’t done for any number of reasons but that the interns might look to do if the opportunity presented itself. 

How many of us wish we’d done something different in our professional careers? 

Well, this was a smart and modest way to communicate how to build on opportunities. 

Storrs told the audience of growing up on 100 acres in New Hampshire; how he learned to manage ecosystems to support people.

He urged the interns to think about their financials early on, to look for people to work for who inspire and are non-judgmental.  He shared an example. 

“Three years ago I was graciously given the opportunity to work for two people I very much respect: Phyllis Odyssey and EunYoung Sebazco” – who helped push him to help grow rice in New York on the Randall’s Island Farm – “to play with ways to grow rice.”

He explained it’s been a “powerful and invigorating” experience. 

The next speaker, Brenden Armstrong, was also a featured Hortie–to-watch in Organic Gardening’s “Next Generation” feature.  Armstrong is a 2012 graduate School of Professional Horticulture, did a summer fellowship at Cornell, and is pursuing his BS at KSU.

Armstrong talked about working on a chestnut orchard, his love of keeping busy with new things as he did researching while at Cornell.  Overall, his advice is to continue to learn.  “The more you learn, the better prepared for challenges you will be.”  He still seemed to marvel at where the Organic Gardening feature has led him on his hort career path.

“Look for learning opportunities outside of your field,” he urged the interns.  “Change someone’s life.”

It was now time for the featured speaker, Ken Druse. 

Druse has a measured, authoritative speaking style that seemed to generate a palpable sense of professional pride and bonding within the intern audience.  

What hort intern wouldn’t feel honored to be a part of a long and respected tradition hearing Druse describe how “plants & gardens were venerated – how plant explorers were revered.”

Druse also employs humor to make his points. 

Jake the “body gardener” is a YouTube character (and a real one, I came to find out – not an attempt at parody!) 

Jake is an extreme visual – a poster-child of the all-too-ubiquitous “Mow, Blow, and Go” hapless claim to that of a “landscaper” foisted on unsuspecting homeowners. 

Jake...

Jake’s video channel that gives “advice” on easy plant and lawn care. 

It’s not good or sound advice, mind you. 

The point Druse is making here is that all too often, horticulture is “dumbed down” and as professionals, we need to fight this perception and work to better inform the population as to the value of true horticulture and best practices.

At the same time, Druse elevates the interns’ dedication to higher hort education and to take aim at those who desecrate our profession and unparalleled historical traditions and their impact.

Druse points out even prominent hort “experts” sometimes extoll the “easy” aspect to gardening over the respectful artful pursuit of well-designed gardens and plant choices, plant preservation, and enduring gardens that are part of our cultural hort patrimony. 

Druse notes HGTV showcases landscapes that “take no time.”

To this, Druse dramatically says, “Noooo!  Landscapes and horticulture do take time!  It’s Not easy!”

You could almost feel the audience revving to a standing ovation.

“It’s what we do!” he emphasizes, giving heightened credibility to the hort professionals.

At that moment, the hort interns all became Druse fans, too!

To further amplify the notion that the general population is too far removed from the world of plants and the need for the hort profession to step up and communicate about our intrinsic connection to flora and the environment, Druse went on to tell about an incident he recently witnessed in Bryant Park where a mother scolded her child: “We do not touch nature.” 

(Think how much that kid’s connection to nature will be diminished.  He’s gonna’ miss so much of life…)     

When Druse checked his watch for the length of his talk at one point, he saw he was just about out of time. But when he attempted to “skip” through a chunk of the presentation, a spontaneous disapproving roar from the audience erupted.

Therefore, Druse dutifully accommodated and continued his talk – much to everyone’s delight.

We loved his inclusion of Fibonacci – why I just love even saying “Fibonacci!”

“We’d be dead without plants.” Druse said, pointedly. 

Eventually it was time for Keynoter Tychonievich.

He is a good speaker: full of enthusiasm, hands-on, relatable experience, and an outgoing visionary trajectory that allows him to offer an authentic, “all-in” experience that sparked the Hortie interns and resonated as a beacon.

Tychonievich talked about his earliest experiences in horticulture: being a part of the Grow It Society, getting into gardening at age five (take that "Plant Blindness" naysayers).   

“I wanted to be a florist back then – it was the only job I knew that had plants and flowers,” he joked.

Tychonievich reiterated an earlier point that he too looks for learning opportunities galore in every nook of horticulture.  “There’s a value in unexpected opportunities,” he noted. He also recommended looking for feedback: online or face-to-face in the garden or nursery. “Learning is huge! Have fun.”

He explained how he has fun “educating” using stories about plant genetics.

Tychonievich showed his Michigan State-colored corn that captured locals’ imaginations better than all the science lectures could hope to.  

He urged the hort audience to better communicate about the fascinating world of plants and what plants can do, what the future of horticulture can be – and perhaps most important, “Where we want to take it.”

“We don’t need a big tulip display to capture our audiences’ attention.”

Celebrity Chefs and Horticulture

Tychonievich compared horticulture to the gourmet food industry to make a few points.

“We need to have that same sense of excitement as celebrity chefs bring to the world of cooking and food.  

Also, “The gourmet food industry doesn’t promote junk food,” he said.  

In the same way, hort professionals shouldn’t “dumb down” or promote the common, monoculture of plant selection and breeding that is becoming all too common. 
“Forget the Knockout Roses. Or ‘trashy annuals.’”

Leave those kinds of plants to the uninformed, he suggested.  

In the same way as a foodie culture, customers frequent restaurants to try new things – both tasting and for the experience, he related.

“Visitors to botanic gardens, public gardens, parks or nurseries should be exposed to plants in the same way.  Offer them the heirlooms, the exotic.”

We need “Gourmet Gardening,” he urged.  

From my own sweet spot where the world of gardens kisses the edible food world – after all, that’s how my book came about – I wanted to explore the nexus of culinary and garden art: to share how growing inspired ingredients allows chefs to create seasonal, local cuisine -- I would add that today’s top chefs and food thought leaders are increasingly turning to learning more about sustainable agriculture to improve soils and taste and yield. 

Look no further than to Blue Hill’s Chef Dan Barber, Chef Tom Colicchio, or Chef Ferran Adrià.

Perhaps the horticulturists and the chefs can come together at the dining table and share talents and passions in a meaningful way… Next year, NYBG?

“Take your customers to an environmental level,” recommended Tychonievich. 

He cited Ikea as an example of an inspiring business model because they set up display compositions where the customer can “see” themselves in the kitchen or living room or whatever room they are selling.

So too, Chanticleer Gardens, for example, inspires its visitors to imagine their garden room compositions at home, he explained. 

I’d add that NYBG inspires too, in its many display gardens, especially the perennial garden and the Ladies’ Border.

Hitting full stride, Tychonievich went on to suggest we need more fun in the garden.

“As horticulturists, we need a way to connect to our gardens and enjoy a social aspect of the garden experience. Beyond the garden clubs.”

He named a kind of Meet-Up for garden enthusiasts that got its start in Austin: Bloggers Fling.

The group just had their 2014 event in July in Portland. (www.gardenbloggersfling.blogspot.com) 

“We need more events like this,” he suggested.  

“Thank God for the Internet” he continued.  “Here, all is possible.  No one needs to ask permission – we can just do it!”

 “The internet is a powerful online world.”

The message was to connect to other hort professionals -- to those who share the passion, the curiosity, the vision and ultimately, the ability to remake our world of gardens, plants, and horticulture.  

The morning was but a passing pfft and it was already time for the break and lunch.  

Lunch & Garden Chat

The interns stopped to talk to the sponsors and business supporters before and after the delicious lunch provided by the Garden. 

The companies hoped to talk and woo the interns much like a job fair or a networked recruiting event.

The Hort-based businesses manning tables were eager to talk to the Hort Interns about career opportunities and new technologies geared just for them. 

For example, while just baby steps away from it’s beta-incubation stage, the GrowIt! Garden Socially App was enthusiastically presented by its horticultural professional developers as a product targeting Millennials and tapping into the need to give power to horticulture and plant geek lovers.

Talk about Pay Dirt!

GrowIt! was also offering three, $500 scholarships. 

Scholarship winners will be chosen from Hort students or those engaged in a related field who use a smart phone (is that redundant?!) and who contribute at least 30 uploads to the App.  Winning candidates will be based on quality and variety of plants provided to the Grow It! App.   

I’ll write a separate review of the GrowIt! App in a forthcoming Garden Glamour blog.  Meanwhile, download the Free App. It’s fun and informative.

It was a swell al fresco lunch of sandwiches, beverages, and conversation where interns and hort leaders chatted about their gardens and park work.  

Lynden Miller & BBG's Mark Fischer

I got to speak with my tablemates who hailed from Ohio and were working at Battery Park. 

I learned one had been a turf manager at a country club in Bronxville but wanted to cycle out of the turf area into plants.  The other intern was gaining experience in the gardens that will contribute to his work as a landscape architect when he completes his studies.

He showed me a series of photos on a recently-completed water garden and native plant walk.  He’s got the chops!

All through lunch, Organic Gardening magazine interviewed the horticulture professionals for an upcoming online video segment.

When it was time for my on-camera interview I was a bit stumped -- not knowing what it was really all about. 

But the interviewer was very good and asked about my background before the interview.  This way she said she could direct appropriate hort and garden questions to ask.

Now all I had to worry about was the bad hair day.

Those record-high temps and humidity contributed to a less then happy coif!

The interview went well enough according to her feedback… 

The Garden Tours

This was not a day for all talk and no action!  

There were separate tours running concurrently.  A Garden curator and/or senior hort executive expertly directed each tour.

The Hortie Hoopla II afternoon was a portfolio of NYBG tours including, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and Perennial Garden and the Ladies’ Border, Native Plant Garden and Thain Family Forest, and LuEsther T. Mertz Library, William and Lynda Steere Herbarium

I readily admit I’m way too smitten with the plants, blossoms, and garden design compositions. 

But just like the tech geek I was when working in consumer electronics, I’m equally taken with the engine room – or the back of the operation.

The Library and Rare Book Room are must stops on your next garden visit -- there is just sooo much history and art there.  

I’ll post more about these tours in an upcoming Garden Glamour post.  

Hort interns visit the Herbarium

A highlight of the Garden tours has to be Marc Hachadourian.  Marc is the Director of The NYBG’s Nolen Greenhouses for Living Collections, and knows how to mix his encyclopedic knowledge of the plants, botany, taxonomy with a fun, practical, plant sense to make the tour one you don’t want to end.

NYBG's Marc Hachadourian leads Hortie Hoopla tour of the Conservatory

Throughout the tours, the interns appeared as awed as the Green Professionals were.  

Wave Hill's Director of Horticulture, Louis Bauer

I could sense the interns increasing pride in their chosen career.  It wasn’t just the crazy, pretty, clever plants.  

It was also the diversity of career options.

In a world of Doctor, Lawyer…reality show -- and even within the world of hort where gardener (or florist) may have been fueling their horticulture passion, here they saw hort professionals, growing, breeding, curating, preserving, writing, and managing -- that heretofore they just hadn’t experienced.

The world suddenly was their oyster.  Or orchid!

The interns were also working on the Plant ID Contest throughout the tours, which was a fun way to add an extra dimension to the tour - plus a chance to win prizes at the BBQ dinner.  

Garden Caper

This is an aside or a sidebar experience…

Getting to the dinner held in the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden from the main building proved to be a bit of an adventure.  And not the rewarding plant adventurer kind.

Finishing up our tour of the Groundbreakers’ exhibit in the Library, it was me, Ken Druse and a Planting Fields intern, Alexandria Bogo who found ourselves together, determining how to get to the dinner party in the Edible Landscape from the Watson building.

See, the Family Garden is clear on the other side of the 250-acre Botanical Garden.

So despite priding ourselves on our hardy outdoor styles, we were reluctantly reduced to realizing we didn’t want to walk…

Just then, it seemed the Calvary arrived.  In the form of the Garden’s Tram – that takes visitors on a pre-programmed tour of the Garden.

We were happy enough for the lift. 

But as we meandered past the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden – the driver headed in the opposite direction – heading off to where? The Conifer Collection?

I wasn’t sure.

So I stood up (I’m short ) and called out to the driver to please stop.  The tram is like an elephant daisy-chain and we were far to the rear of the pachyderm-like cart so he didn’t hear me.

I tried to be louder.  No go.

I thought we might be on this Gilligan’s Island tour for far longer than we had time for, so therefore I asked my travel mates if they wanted to jump off. 

I know, I know…

But we did.

Then, no sooner did we hit terra firma than the driver brought the entire tram to a halt.

Mercifully, he didn’t seem the least disturbed.  Rather he said he’d drop us at our destination in five minutes.

True to his word, we were soon walking through the raised beds of the Global Gardens found in the Family Garden and I was pointing out my favorite, The Korean Garden.  The family who tended this garden was always most kind to me…

Dinner in the Garden

Even if it had been a scorcher of a day, it was all cool and happy by the time we arrived and the party had already blossomed.

It was as magical as fireflies in June.  

The tableau was a sensory palette of colorful flowers, spirited laughter, poofs of BBQ clouds and a tablescape set with fresh, homegrown food.

Plus there was craft beer gifted from the Bronx Brewery!  

Along with other beverages, including wine, soda, and water…

The most important ingredient? The networking.  

Yurgalevitch & Planting Field Intern Alexandria Bogo

In a profession that we lament is all too often mostly a solitary one, even when part of a team, here was a chance for the best, brightest, and ambitiously-aspiring, to effectively share ideas, experiences and dreams with one another. 

And we know how this movie ends – the key players collaborate and support one another, great ideas are born and success happens.

Over a bite to eat I had the chance to talk to a few ladies from the Eagle Street Rooftop Farm and learned of their impressions of the day (all good) and their hopes of a future in hort along with hort’s future.  They spoke of their desire to do small-scale agriculture, food production, food justice and access, education, and sustainability.  Wow.

Then as I was leaving, I heard one intern from Parks & Recreation say to her associates while serving up her dinner plate:  “I’m just sooo happy right now.”  

How great is that? 

Put a fork in it. The Hortie Hoopla II was yet another success.

I left to walk to the train while the event continued its lovely, happy setting.

Cheers!

How much do we love our Sponsors?

All are top-tier experts, leaders in our horticulture, garden, and local communities.  Their craft contributes to a better, prettier, tastier, and more sustainable lifestyle. 

They are investing in the next generation of green professionals -- Please support them with your patronage.

Town and Gardens, Ltd:

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Landcraft Environments, Ltd

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Organic Gardening

http://www.organicgardening.com

Verdant Gardens Design

http://www.verdantgardens.com

Bronx Brewery

http://www.thebronxbrewery.com

Carl Schurz Park Gardening Volunteers

http://carlschurzparknyc.org